^ 



OF THE KINO 

millP reCKER OOETZ 




Gopight N? ^ / 



COFVRIGHT DKPOSIK 



Digitized by the Internet Archive 
in 2011 with funding from 
The Library of Congress 



http://www.archive.org/details/sunnmonsofkingplaOOgoet 



THE 



SUMMONS OF THE KING 



A Play 



BY 



PHILIP BECKER GOETZ 




BUFFALO 

THE Mcdowell press 

MCMXI 






COYPRIGHT 1911 

BY PHILIP BECKER GOETZ 

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



CCLD 25484 



NOTE 



The play deals with the earlier part of the 
invasion of Italy which King Charles the 
Eighth of France undertook in the latter half of 
the year 1494 to gain the throne of Naples. Hear- 
ing of the King's intention, Piero de Medici, in- 
secure and unpopular at Florence, surrendered 
three Tuscan fortresses to win the King's sup- 
port. The Florentines learnt of this act and 
promptly banisht Piero, who fled to Venice. At 
the opening Pisa is subject to Florence, but soon 
revolts. Before leaving Milan for Pisa, the King 
has become infatuated with Nuccia, a peasant 
girl. About her most of the action revolves. 



PERSONS 



King Charles the Eighth of France 

Cardinal St Malo, his spiritual adviser 

Orsini, a Florentine nobleman of the Medicean 
party 

ViNCENZo, his son, in love with Nuccia 

Pf'770 I 

> servants to Orsini 
Ceppi J 

Savonarola, the Dominican, opposed to the 
Medici 

Capponi, a Florentine, leader of the people against 
the Medici 



friends to Capponi, 

members of the Signory 



BONSI, 

Valori, 

Vespucci, 

Lucio, a soldier of the Pisan, Soldorato 

Chamberlain to the King 

Nuccia, a Milanese girl, known as Lois while mis- 
tress to King Charles 

Rabaccio, her uncle 

Stella, her companion 

A Pisan 

French soldiers, courtiers, friars, flower- 
girls, fruiterers, poet, citizens, watchmen. 



ACT ONE 

Scene: Pisa. The Florentine army of escort to 
King Charles is within the French camp. 

SCENE ONE 
A part of the field near the camp. 

ViNCENZO AND PeZZO 
ViNCENZO 

She hath not more scorn for a low-born clout 
Than lies in the neglect my gifts endure. 
The chain, the emerald — what avail my pains? 
I will to Florence fly. Am I a fool, 
Some jester fed with table's overflow 
Mid sufferance of weaklings high, who laugh 
On what they comprehend not? I am born 
Of honorable blood : it heats and cools 
At causes other breeds hold light as air. 

Pezzo 

What an ungentle destiny is thine. 
My lord, to own such sickly mastery 
Of blood! Had I a sire whose name I knew — 
A name tho common as the earth we tread — 
Herein I yet should be the victor known. 
Not let a mere girl with a languid smile 
Bid me a scorned suitor meet my friends, 
And hear the hollow rouse crown all the cups 
Wherein they drench my poor, defeated story. 
'Tis thou, not she, who is more worthy tears, 
And tears of bitter shame! To spare, forsooth, 

[5] 



THE SUMMONS 

No task to win a blossom France hath plucked, 
And at thy first adventure run away: 
What a brave heart! Thou art no Florentine. 
Think not of Florence, thine's a softer soil. 

ViNCENZO 

Oft have I marked your argument take wing — 
As nimbly now — and then your passion seize 
His vantage opportunely with quick taunt 
Upon my high birth, just to wound my pride. 
Were I some warring devil with loud boasts 
Of brawl and wantonness, I were more prized. 
The languid smile that tempts your merry tongue 
Shall turn my way, count me a coward else. 
To them what if I seem an unripe youth, 
If unto her my love show copeless heavens? 

Pezzo 

As vain and shifting as the breathing spring! 
Think what thy noble sire will say, who sent 
Thee secret thence to spy upon the world 
Not dream upon the first two lovely eyes. 
What but to dry those prodigal tears of youth 
For lorn Bianca — 

ViNCENZO 

Silence. Oh, with shame 
I redden to forget that sudden-spent 
Delight that filled me when Bianca first 
I met that night among the Ponte shops. 
Have you not often marked on moonlit nights 
How long there stole the silver thru your soul 
Or ere you lifted eye and saw the orb 
Unfettered of a cloud possess the sky? 
And then as if until that hour you ne'er 
Had guessed her potency — so old, so known — 
You learn the virgin charm that spells the dark 
And stirs remotest music? So Bianca. 
Was it a strange thing that I instant loved 

[6] 



OF THE KING 

And instant would have made her beauty mine 
To crown with worship of young ritual? 
Yet now my home heart for Bianca's pale 
And willing loveliness is no more mine 
Than lasting is the rose against her lips, 
Or this is home and yonder tree a booth. 

Pezzo 

Softly; thou hast turned broken vow itself 

To gentle melody. Had not thy sire 

Been firm, thou wouldst have wed the unhappy 

lady 
Thou art most swift to swear was lightly loved. 
Is honor such a bubble to be danced 
Upon the pouting waves of a boy's blood? 

ViNCENZO 

Peace, sir, thy words knock on well-guarded ears: 
Thy years are mine to borrow in my need. 
Not thine to hoard. That I do love this maid. 
Dear Pezzo, deep I know. 

Pezzo 

Now for hot oaths! 
Tell me the certain signs, what portents lead 
The doubting eyes up to the sovereign star? 

ViNCENZO 

Mock on as likes thee, still I am unshaken. 
I will disclose how lovers know their hour. 
Methinks, apart from her I am not I, 
Or else an echo of my living self. 
Some hollow instrument of broken strings. 
Day-long I wander mid far-memoried dreams 
Wherein her spirit, ere her face, I found. 
I never now may pace with running stream 
But by its magic marge some time we there 
Have counted grasses, lingered, silent gazed, 

[7] 



THE SUMMONS 

And in some cave mingled a mirrored kiss. 
Tempest times, too, when lightning threads the 

heart 
Of tangled wildwood, bring me the thin touch 
Of her pale, shuddering hand, asking my shelter. 
And when a lute I hear from the wide meads 
Of airy music pluck one after one 
Bright blossoms, hers are all, so fell they all 
Adown her loosened hair ages ago 
Ere love immortal framed him mortal words. 

Pezzo 

This is no place for such as thou, Vincenzo: 

Only the moon's car suits this delicate freight, 

And only skyey coursing fits this mood. 

I am an old plain man of waning wit. 

Yet this inflaming speech hath lighted me 

A path thru mine o'erwildered memory. 

I am less old than seasons give me out. 

The wrinkles of my time are smoothed away 

And I again am with thee, face to face 

With dreams that couch in the blue-vaulted 

youth. 
Before the task and fret, the strife and grief 
Banish the starry vision to despair. 
Nay, I was once a lover — long ago. 
'Twas in the days when Milan was at feud 
With Genoa and I sought fame and folly 
Against the cunning seamen. One mild night 
In May, when wild excursions made a prize 
Of a few huddled huts along the shore. 
Drunken and rudely jesting, in we burst. 
Some four of us, upon a frightened group 
Upon their knees alDout a father's bed. 
One was for harrying the maidens there, 
Another yelled to hale the sick man forth. 
Another thirsted for a cup the more, 
And one stood silent at the open door. 
That man was I; for, kneeling at the bed. 
And turning pleading eyes upon our rout, 

[8] 



OF THE KING 

If ever God made one like my own mother, 
There seemed she kneeling, there turned pleading 

eyes. 
An instant all grew blurred: those tender girls 
To me were sudden sisters, for them I 
Thereon had died to shield from ruffian harm. 
My sotted brain sank her carousal dregs, 
And ere they questioned cause, our filthy crew 
Reeled to a bagnio — I forget the rest. 

ViNCENZO 

Well? 

Pezzo 

Oh, next day I stole away from camp. 
The man had died and she with hers was left 
In need and grief. My scanty all was theirs. 
Thereafter till we pushed up thru the passes 
I daily with a secret joy gave aid. 

ViNCENZO 

Good Pezzo, is this all? 

Pezzo 
Not all, not all. 

ViNCENZO 

The mother then was widowed. 

Pezzo 

Aye, and grateful. 
Yet grateful more the wide-eyed, eldest girl, 
Who found my soldier heart as swiftly as 
She learnt her own heart, loving wretched me. 

ViNCENZO 

What of thy pleasant girding on my love? 
Hath not thy youth been guilty with us, too? 
How wilt thou teach me skill to quell mine ardor 

[9] 



THE SUMMONS 

When thou hast known the ache one never exiles? 
In fine, she bade thee glance another where? 

Pezzo 

Nay, nay, that had indeed been fortunate; 
I then had steeled myself against despair 
Or guessed her tongue a traitor to her soul; 
But when we parted in the blazing noon, 
The sun wrought of her hair a gorgeous crown, 
And I crawled northward with the men — 

ViNCENZO 

Dear friend! 
Pezzo 
At our home-coming the whole shore lay bare. 

ViNCENZO 

But Florence triumphed in that desolation: 
Genoa floated barges with no threat. 

Pezzo 

Believe, her victory I love, Vincenzo, 
Yet have I memory of what I know 
Was certain love. Yet why so idling here 
When soon the hobbling savior of our fate 
Will bid us guide him east? Thank God, Piero 
Need fear no balking of our new support. 
I would the passions of the people cooled 
Before thy father fan them with contempt. 

ViNCENZO 

Why march we with the Frenchmen into Flor- 
ence? 

Pezzo 

O youth, O youth, the down hangs on thy ques- 
tion! 
To have a lady see an angry sire, 

[10] 



OF THE KING 

Whom, if her beauty please, an amorous boy 
Would beg for grace to marry instantly, 
Heedless of how our Medici come home 
Or how the Signory with Charles may prosper. 

ViNCENZO 

Oh that I had a rapier wit for you! 
But, missing that, I have a better arm 
With which were I to strike as oft as you 
Offend me with your insults, you were dead 
A thousand several times. 

Pezzo 

A slower pace 
Better befits a noble and a soldier. 
What think you France intends in Italy? 
He holds with Ferdinand a high dispute. 
And forth to Naples o'er the prostrate states 
Doth bridge a triumph to that distant throne. 
Our quarrels are of tributary import: 
And exiled Medici was not born deaf. 
What, pray, are citizens to endless coffers. 
To great allies and sly and secret words 
Dropt seedlike into every inch of ground? 
Are beggars, tradesmen, drivers of dumb beasts 
Aught but the chaff for winds of royalty? 
What would the jealous paupers with their lords? 
What is their prate of freedom and of right? 
Have they no grateful mind to those who planned 
And shaped the glory where they shelter warm 
And grow and keep their lives and young secure? 
Vincenzo, I have seen the great abased. 
The base uplifted by the fetid commons: 
Their choice is ever for a sweeter thing, 
Their memory is fleeter than a dream. 
Their love, I swear, lighter than memory. 
Were I Piero, they should vainly sue 
To soil my heel in their unthankful streets. 
My palaces and all my springs of wealth 
I would not leave to them, I would raze all 

[11] 



THE SUMMONS 

And hie me to another state to breed 

A host for vengeance in the years to come, 

And I would lead my serried insolence 

Against their thoughtless gates and teach them 

there 
How noble dragons spit their terms in blood. 
Until alarmed they found their liberty 
An unconsoling name when princes threaten. 

ViNCENZO 

Now see what sparks these sticks and stones pro- 
voke! 
And here comes one. 

Enter a Pisan 

PiSAN 

I pray I meet my friends. 

Pezzo 

Friends till we fight, sir. (Striking him.) Who 
are you? Come, tell. 

ViNCENZO (to Pezzo) 

Be not so rude: we are the guests of Pisa. 

Pezzo 

For that I care not half a fig, I itch 

To fall my hand each day without a blow 

On something out of Florence. 

ViNCENZO (to Pezzo) 

I am young. 
But I am not so far from judgment fled 
I cannot see thee paid for wanton strokes. 

PiSAN 

Your pardon, gentlemen. You sure are strange 
To Pisa? 

[12] 



OF THE KING 

ViNCENZO 

Florentines and soldiers, sir. 

PiSAN 

To lead the Frenchman hence? 

Pezzo {again striking him) 

The Frenchman? — Dog! 
Take that and that and that and let them prick 
Thy poor jade memory we guide a king. 

PiSAN 

I will not answer you in kind, rough man. 
Being a serving-man of Pisa's best, (Whispering) 
Who tho he be no royal bird, hath yet 
A wide wing spread to hide a Medici. 

ViNCENZO 

Forgive his heat, fellow, and thou, my Pezzo, 
So wont to give me counsel and reproof. 
For the dear Mary's grace, make him amends. 
Some sightless poison of this nightly air 
Hath sown within thy spirit angry humor. 

PiSAN 

I am a soldier, too, and hither charged 
With messages from Florence to a youth 
Of noble birth but nameless. 

ViNCENZO 

Nameless? 

PiSAN 

Aye. 
They found the bearer dead outside the gates. 
The seal was broken and the name o'ergored, 
And they who read it could not learn who wrote. 

ViNCENZO 

Importing what, sir? 

[13] 



THE SUMMONS 

Pezzo 
Give it me. 

PiSAN 

Soft, soft, 
It holds a pleasant parley 'gainst the state 
Of Florence — no longer Medici's, but free — 
Which, were't returned unto the Signory, 
Might lead to treason's end, if Pisa recked 
What Florence does, for he who wrote forgot 
Indeed the Florentines are here by grace 
Not will of Pisa, who hath tossed the yoke. 

Pezzo 
What says the king? 

PiSAN 

He will not pause his host, 
But forthwith marches with intention sure. 

ViNCENZO 

To bring Piero back into his own? 

PiSAN 

Mark me: no man hath read this King of France. 
How know you he will prop your banisht lord? 
What heart hath he who of his ships prepared 
A rampart on Rapallo's beach, the while 
Under the thunder of his guns stole out 
With sword and brand the Swiss, albeit the town 
Lay on her knees? What answer gave they? 

What? 
They made their torch a thing of festival. 
And every soul an empty sacrifice; 
The sick out of their beds they dragged and slew; 
They would not credit men with Christ on lip. 
Why, think you, flowing and fair promises 
Will move him more? But now your legates went 
Hence homeward, with perplexed mind, dis- 
mayed. 

[14] 



OF THE KING 

None know his thought, to each he riddles gives. 

Free Florence bids him enter as a friend, 

While your Piero flatters him from Venice — 

As if the bribe of Tuscan fortresses, 

When first he touched our soil, were not enough. 

Believe me, gentle sirs, I speak not so 

Out of a rank and dreading hate to Florence: 

That we in Pisa are no minions more 

Is fruit of her own vain, divided will. 

Pezzo 

Still insolent? 

ViNCENZO (aside) 

Beware! a Pisan friend 
May pay us well or ere our men are safe. (Aloud) 
Who are you, sir? You own a daring speech. 

Pisan 

Of Soldorato's house, an old-time friend 

To the Orsini. Aye, you start at that. 

Think you your mate had lived to tell another 

How he insulted Pisa to my face, 

Had I not known you of delighted honor? 

ViNCENZO 

Come, come, thou bird of mystery, sing clear! 

Pisan (looking toward Pezzo) 
Your hawk is a bad carrier of gifts. 

Pezzo 
You dare not say they failed their master's aim. 

Pisan 

Nay, yet with such an ill delivery 

That were I wooed, I'd never owe you thanks. 

I marvel if so little grace hath won 

The least rewarding smile. 

[15] 



THE SUMMONS 

ViNCENZO 

You know of her? 

PiSAN 

Some whit. 

ViNCENZO 

What news of her? She lodges still, 
Looks from that solemn window on the square, 
Blesses the dullard street with heavenly eyes? 
Speak, man, what happy sounds compose her 

name? 
What sea-town of the somber north immured 
The music of long years within its breast 
Till this pure soul made lovely echoes vie? 

PiSAN (sighing) 

My mother yester eve despatcht me — me. 

This very thing of mortal flesh and bone — 

Unto your lauded lady, with a dish 

Of our tomatoes dressed with tempting art. 

She saw them hanging brilliant on a string 

Against the upper wall within the court. 

We noted her delighted hands and eyes; 

Whereon with homely wisdom armed I sped 

My way obedient, and, bowing low. 

Proffered the gift. She smiled and, in dumb show, 

Described the coming taste. But when she ate! 

brave Vincenzo, had you heard her then 

Laugh rivulets of checked surprise and joy, 

Orsini's line had learnt insanity. 

For when a lovely lady loves to eat. 

Eating what most she loves, what is a man? 

A better war against the world were his 

To wage than 'gainst this human argument. 

ViNCENZO 

Tush, tush! You are a lower man than low. 

PiSAN 

No lady foreign-born so honest eats. 

[16] 



OF THE KING 

Pezzo 

Now hath the Pisan smirched thy firmament, 
Blasphemed thy throned lady, stirred thine anger; 
But now when he defamed our native state. 
My wroth and hasty stroke drew thy sore censure. 
Say, shall we teach his tongue a lasting quiet? 

Pisan 

What need of strife? Our house is friendly still; 
And were it not, I bid relent your ire. 
At hand within my call lie hidden close 
Two hundred archers, Soldorato's own. 
Be well advised: you shall return in peace. 

{Shouts heard) 

ViNCENZO 

What's that? 

Pezzo 
Your men surprised or challenging? 
Pisan 
What's toward, I know not. 

Enter Lucio 

Lucio, what news? 
Lucio 

sir, I know not for I saw not all. 

Pisan 
But what you saw? 

Lucio 

Nights lately grow so dark. 

1 have not seen so dark a night as this 
Since my old jade died hauling leeks and so. 
Methinks it rains a dun here so I needs 

[17] 



THE SUMMONS 

Must clean my palms a dozen times a night 
To swear they still are just my own — 

PiSAN 

Come, man, 
Delay not, tell us what you saw, what did! 

Lucio 

To see not more than I, were less than well, 
If your hot mind the bit of patience scorns. 

PiSAN 

Now, Lucio, cease bandying, speak out: 
You make these Florentines fierce, champing 
steeds. 

Lucio 

Then have I matter for their ears, I vow. 
Else as they judge it, let them wend away. 

ViNCENZO 

man, be brief! 

Lucio 
Briefly to say, I saw — 

PiSAN 

A— 

Lucio 
crowd of silly necks grow long with wonder. 

ViNCENZO 

Whereat — 

Lucio 
I wondered cranes were never red. 

ViNCENZO 

Why, Lucio? 

[18] 



OF THE KING 

Lucio 
In shame for mortal fools. 

PiSAN 

Well? 

Lucio 
Hear them shout! 

ViNCENZO 

What! is it Medici? 

Lucio 

A Medici! Aye, such a one as goes 

Unshod of foot and bowed, foul with the road. 

Faw! Naught more noble than the dark-eyed Friar, 

Who comes again with message for the King. 

Tonight with short unceremonious word 

He passes with no proper awe of us 

Who make the world resound with woe and arms, 

And coldly asks where he shall see the King, 

As if at mess I bid you hand my dole. 

PiSAN 

What then? {Shouts heard) 

Lucio 

The vile crowd hails a painted stick, 
Hangs on his scattered speech with hungry ears. 

ViNCENZO 

This must be he — the hot firebrand of Florence. 

Pezzo 

To whom we are beholden that our chief 
Is dispossesst and hated of the commons? 

ViNCENZO 

Let's after. What hewills he neverhides. (Exeunt) 

[19] 



THE SUMMONS 

SCENE TWO 

The King's Pavilion. The same night. 

King Charles, Cardinal St Malo, Courtiers; 
Lois, Stella; Chamberlain 

Chamberlain 

He will not be denied his audience. 

King 

And so declares? Well, we are merry now, 
Else were his keen demand more stubborn met. 

Chamberlain 
Take I thy lofty leave to bid him enter? 

King 
Let him approach. Be gone! 

{Exit Chamberlain) 

Lois 

Who is the man? 

King 

A friar much in awe at Florence now, 

Who is no lover of our Medici, 

And came ambassador to welcome us 

So long we would abjure the falling cause 

And hedge no tyrant 'gainst the general weal. 

When first in Italy our foot we set. 

Alone of all who spake the friar praised 

And hailed us the new Cyrus, sent of God. 

Lois 

'Twas he who hailed you Cyrus? 

[20] 



OF THE KING 

King 

Even he. 
'Fore heaven I somehow dread that single soul 
With single stare and single, quick-stopt speech. 

Lois 

Would I might look upon so strange a man! 

King 

And shall. He comes. 

Enter Savonarola with two Brethren 

Welcome again to Pisa. 

Savonarola 

God grant thee wisdom with thy health, French 
Charles. 

Lois (aside) 

Mary forgive me! Whom called this one mother? 
Stella, so keen an eye, a shape so ugly. 
Never before this day made groan the earth. 

Stella (aside) 

A holy man recks little of his body. 

I am afraid to dare the searching eyes. 

And oh! what hungry, starved lips and cheeks! 

Lois (aside, gaily) 

I wonder if they ever kissed a woman? 

King 

So let us hear. What brings you here again 
To tempt the dangers of the night-clad camp? 

Savonarola 
King Charles, I come to speak with thee alone. 

(Lois looks appealingly to King) 

[21] 



THE SUMMONS 

King 

These witnesses we would not so dismiss: 
If you have secrets, they will hide them safe; 
And for ourselves, what we intend we publish. 

Savonarola 

Then brief my message. Rumor wings report 
Ye march to Florence for the Medici. 

King 

Who speaks that borrowed words from France's 
lips? 

Savonarola 
The embassy announce thou cozenest. 

King 
Gave we offence to any in that body? 

Savonarola 

I stand not here to spend vain, empty words; 
I care not what the mode of thy discourse. 

King 

We would respect, not anger you; some stay 
Of further parley would desire of you. 
Whereby you blame the instrument of God. 

Savonarola 

You know the state of Florence, King of France, 

You know God's hand hath sore oppressed us all, 

That for our sins we exiled Medici, 

Who taught our fingers sloth, hatred our hearts. 

We bade you enter resurrected Florence, 

You whom in dreams I saw my Father send 

To scourge the mockers of sweet righteousness 

And with your tide flood wanton Italy, 

To lift the base and hurl the mighty headlong. 

A while you knocked on stubborn-hearing gates 

[22] 



OF THE KING 

Until your armies starved the keys to turn; 

And when your men marched onward insolent 

In triumph o'er the people of my blood, 

My brothers, sisters, friends, I told them how 

Above the screaming ruin I heard God 

Cheer Charles of France, the sword of this our 

land. 
Now with our godless foe what pact is made 
That you so answer our ambassadors? 
We begged your aid to make secure the state: 
What juggler's word is this you toss to us? 
"When you arrive, all shall be as you will." 
Are you a friend to Medici or no? 
This would I learn or ere I homeward fare. 
If you are minded fast to fetter us 
In the reforged chain we late have broken, 
I counsel memory how swift the wrath 
Of God descends upon forgetful children. 
These victories on alien soil to France 
Are but our sin and weakness, not your strength; 
Think not in pride to trample and insult 
Our quick Republic, lest she teach you pain. 

King 

You bid me come to Florence, and thereon 

An embassy prescribes what I may do. 

A conqueror is not affrighted thus. 

That subjects show their teeth like ingrate wolves. 

Savonarola 

Ware, King of France! Count never Florence sub- 
ject! 
The city you abide in owes her tribute. 

King 

Mistake not us, good man. We are a friend 
To Florence, and to Medici — not less. 
He hath relieved us often : when we ailed, 
Sent men of physic, and when we defeated 

[23] 



THE SUMMONS 

His countrymen, nobly he greeted us. 

We will not think his princely manners false, 

Nor, granted so, would we in kind respond. 

This will we say, this bear your waiting people: 

The quarrel 'twixt Piero Medici 

And his great state is not our own to wage; 

Withal we cannot be esteemed his foe. 

Bid Florence ope her gates against our coming. 

Savonarola 

Have I, King, walked with these my brethren 

twain 
The long way hither, high of heart and trust. 
To hear these light words born of royal lips? 
Verily all my dream is vanity: 
Here first the semblance of my hope shows false. 
So stunned, I am incapable of wrath. 
God led thee into Italy to prove 
The folly of the din and feats of arms. 
I go, unto the Signory I go; 
Yet once again I charge thee, think on God. 

(Exit Savonarola and two Brethren) 

Lois (excitedly) 

Call him again! 

King 

Wherefore? 

Lois 

I must again 
Behold that face and speak in living speech. 

King 
This is a fancy: he will think we yield. 

Lois 
I care not — I am strangely moved to this. 

[24] 



OF THE KING 

Stella 

If he should ask^ — 

Lois (wildly) 

I care not what he asks! 
Will no one call him? 

King 

'Tis impossible. 
Come, lady, blow this fancy out of mind. 
Would you imperil us? Were we not kind? 

Lois 

Oh, when he came, I mocked him in my heart, 
He was so illy shapen and so starved. 

King 
Well? 

Lois 
Yet his soul warmed every word he spake. 

King 
Mayhap your pious maid hath turned your heart. 

Lois 
Or so or so, beg him return! 

King 

Tush, nay! 
None shall gainsay us, none shall after him. 
In Florence we will answer with our terms. 
See, woman, that you straightway follow us. 
Or, by Saint Genevieve, you shall atone. 

(Exit King with all save Lois and Stella) 

Stella 

What would you now? 

[25] 



THE SUMMONS 

Lois 

I have no way but one. 
(Slowly) 

Knocking, knocking on my unshriven soul 
I hear. She is a girl forgotten long, 
Pleading again for clean, untroubled hearth 
And solemn, dreamless sleep and Mary's eyes 
Unquestioning at morn and stealthy eve. 
"To lift the base and hurl the mighty headlong," 
Those were his words, simple and searching 

words. 
If this French king be sent to us from God, 
What thing am I to lure him down to Hell? 
And if God fated him a byword hence. 
Why must I fouler smirch his royalty? 

Stella 
You cannot flee from him. 

Lois 

You fear his force? 

Stella 
Aye, and — 

Lois 
And what? Say on, be not afraid. 
Stella 
You gave yourself. 

Lois 
I swear I did not — first. 

Stella 

You knew a foreign king could rank bestow. 
But a soul's honor he would only take. 

[26] 



OF THE KING 



Lois 



No more. Who can defend what friends will 

blame? 
The man I fain had laughed to scorn hath taught 
Me how I sinned. The story he shall know. 
They shall not stay me. I must seek him out. 

Stella 

They can and will prevent you : it is night. 
What is a woman 'gainst the guards or rout 
Of loutish soldiery? You are but mad. 

Lois 

The soldiers come from Florence still are here. 
I need not you; I ask not you to follow: 
I am in sin secure — worse cannot fall. 
Were you along, I should be then alarmed. 

Stella 

Then take alarm, for with you I will go. 
Oh, think not I would serve you in your ease 
To run away at need. Some outward shift 
With instant art gains us the way he went. 
Within the hour you meet the Florentine. 

(Exeunt) 



[27] 



THE SUMMONS 



ACT TWO 

SCENE ONE 

A road leading out of Pisa. The same night. 

Enter Savonarola and his two Brethren 

First Brother 

Pray, brother, why this haste? 

Savonarola 

What need of rest? 
So we move on this night, one day is gained. 

Second Brother 

Have thought upon your health, or you perforce 
Must rest within the walls and grieve the people, 
Bearing no tidings from the expected king. 

Savonarola 

They fail who doubt, they win who see, the goal. 
Tonight the host of Hell cannot prevail. 

First Brother 
Hush, heard you voices? 

Second Brother 

They seem to follow us. 
Savonarola 
Perchance the king repents his godless answer. 

Second Brother 
And e'en to call. 

[28] 



OFTHEKING 

First Brother 

They may be men of sin. 

Savonarola 

The tomb is ever tardy, let them come; 
They will not find a well-fed purse to cut. 

First Brother 

Nay, brothers, listen. Darkness throbs appealing. 

Second Brother 

Attend we. 

Savonarola 

Nay, yet slowly onward move. 
Face not again obstinate Pisa's guest. 

Second Brother 

They hasten toward us. Let them hail us first. 

{After calling, enter Lois in boy's dress and 
Stella) 

Lois 

Is this the road to Florence? 

First Brother 

Aye. 

Lois 

We twain, 
This maid and I, would with you thither wend, 
In holy wedlock there to join our souls. 
She willing flies an angry sire who blames 
Our summer blood and eager promising. 
I know you will not bid revolt be glad; 
But continent to Florence would we go 
And there give you our moving history. 
Only we crave protection ere you judge. 

[29] 



THE SUMMONS 

Savonarola 

Follow behind: you lead a woman here. 

It is unmeet our company be weighed 

With her whose safe conduct is yours to guard. 

Follow behind. 

(Exeunt Savonarola and his two Brethren) 

Lois 

Mary, holy mother, 
Forgive me, for I fear this is thy doom. 
Methought I had a firm heart for a lie, 
But I have horror of this lonely road. 

Stella 

Fear not for me. Darkness hath kindly arms 
And doth not always aid the evil thought. 
Withal, what if we die? 

Lois 

Hush, girl, not that, 
Not that. God will not let me die untimely. 

Stella 

Already they have left us. Haste we after. 

(Exeunt Lois and Stella) 

Enter Vincenzo and Pezzo 

ViNCENZO 

Scan close the road. They must have gained the 
friar. 

Pezzo 

Here are the forward footsteps of three men; 
And see! my boy, come, come, kneel down and 
kiss. 

Vincenzo (hurrying) 

The tell-tale dust is delicately pressed. 
God in His mercy pardon all the sins 
Of that dear Pisan. 

[30] 



OF THE KING 

Pezzo 

And my odious hand 
That might have struck him down this very night. 

ViNCENZO 

How was it possible he learned their fraud 
And sought us out? 

Pezzo 

Ere that he reached his house, 
The knave whose raiment hides thy lady's wiles 
Straight ran to tell his Pisan darling all — 
The house, recall, was neighbor where France 

lay— 
And she tongue-laden, by a happy chance, 
Tho late at night met our returning Pisan. 

ViNCENZO 

That he should running find us — that is strange, 
Who knew my love for her. 

Pezzo 

Think you he likes 
Us out of Pisa, sparing or luring us? 

ViNCENZO 

I nothing fear from him — he knows our house. 

Pezzo 
I would I trusted so. But see! a light. 

ViNCENZO 

Too faint — no torch: devils are in the air. 

Pezzo 
Come, boy. Upon their track the King may chase. 

[31] 



THE SUMMONS 

ViNCENZO 

How long hath moonlight helped our baffled eyes? 

Pezzo 
But now she crowned the cloudy muniments. 

ViNCENZO 

A virgin omen! Mary's mercy, come! 

(Exeunt Vincenzo and Pezzo) 

SCENE TWO 

Another part of the same road near a wood. 
Lois and Stella 

Lois 

A fearsome spot to give a cry, dear Stella. 
What was that call? Methought it faintly moved 
Pursuing us, and now our torches die. 

Stella 

There! heard you that? 

Lois 

Again. Now had we legs! 
And yet I dread the holy friars, too. 

Stella 

We must be very brave. 

Lois 

You mean, / must? 

Stella 

At least take on brave show, defending both. 

Enter Vincenzo and Pezzo 

[32] 



OF THE KING 

Pezzo 

Well, happy pair, a pretty time o' night 

To walk beneath the moon to court adventure. 

ViNCENZO 

Peace, brother, let us hear their story. 

Pezzo 

Well. 

{To ViNCENZO) 

Support your part, be bold and merciless. 

ViNCENZO 

Come, pretty youth, what is your business here? 

Lois (aside) 

Sweet Mother, help! Would I were safe — 

Pezzo 

Come, speak! 

Lois {at Stella's urging) 
We journey h-hence t-to Florence — by your leave. 

Pezzo 
Who is this girl? 

Lois {promptly) 

My sister. 

ViNCENZO 

Favored less. 

Pezzo {to Lois) 

A lie, fair youth, a lie. Your changing hue 
Declares you mean to steal and marry her, 
To walk your troth till, spent for food and rest, 
You would repent your bargain, seize her portion. 
And leave her to the wanton Florentines. 

[33] 



THE SUMMONS 

To such a happy aim you must have means 
And we are bent to have it with no harm. 

Stella {to Lois) 

Come, speak the truth. 

Lois 

In fine, I spoke deceit. 
It was our purpose thus to follow safe 
The three Florentine friars, w^hom before 
Us moving, night obscures; and there arrived. 
To marry, full against our parents' wills. 
Leave us so much as may secure us food 
And buy a blessing on our holy vow. 
And we'll deny you naught of all you seek. 

Pezzo 
A second lie, my boy, and well invented. 

Lois {to ViNCENZO) 

You, sir, have kinder eyes, have you no pity? 

ViNCENZO 

What would you have me do? 

Lois 

Save us to Florence. 

ViNCENZO 

How know you we be not from Charles the King 
To bring the guilty fugitives to Pisa? 

Lois {to Stella) 
We are undone. 

Stella {to Lois) 

Tell now the very truth. 
Pezzo 
And I wot well the King's hot wrath on you. 

[34] 



OF THE KING 

Lois 

Then you will stay your hand until you hear. 
If you are of his court, as you give out — 
Albeit I think not so — I might command 
Where now I beg. His consort I, thus clad, 
Spelled by the urging of the holy man, 
Ambassador from Florence, from Pisa flee. 
France hath no force to keep me from my will, 
Nor would reward you well returning hence 
To him my body lifeless by my deed — 
The which to prove you guiltless of would tax 
Heads better than you wear. I say, make way. 

{They move to go) 

ViNCENZO 

Stay! 

Pezzo 
Nay, but let them go. 

ViNCENZO 

Pezzo, desist. 
Ladies, you err to judge us hireling men. 
We both are men of Florence, soldiers both. 
And hearing of your purposed traveling, 
We after hurried instant in your aid. 
That I may better prove the truth thereof, 
I beg you take this ring against your coming: 
In antique frame it holds a beryl-stone 
Of much import and omen to who wears, 
Tested to happy ends by many a son. 
For you must needs find food and shelter there — 
The holy friar may not be your host. 
And should we plan to part, as most befits, 
Since you shall ride by horses that we wait. 
You shall at ease still follow him as guide. 

[35] 



THE SUMMONS 

Lois 

Such gentle ends from such beginnings, sir? 
I fain would know to whom so deep my thanks 
As never can be tongued, within me must 
Be bosomed. Here amends so gallant lie 
That other cause than simple thought moves you. 
Why pause you? 

ViNCENZO 

I — I know not, lady, I 
Will follow at a distance, fear no peril. 
My friend will hither lead the horses when 
We sight them. You are safe. Mayhap again 
Tomorrow we shall bolder be to speak 
And more observe. So, by your leave — good 

night! 
Come, come. 

(Exeunt Vincenzo and Pezzo) 

Stella 

Who may they be? 

Lois 

They will return. 



[36] 



OF THE KING 



ACT THREE 

SCENE ONE 

A Street in Florence. Several days after Act Two. 
Crowds gather to witness the entry of King 
Charles and his army. 

First Citizen 
Now hail unto the King of France! 

Second Citizen 

Hail, Charles! 

Enter King Charles, Courtiers mounted, 
army following. 

A Poor Woman 

Hail, thou defender of the dear republic. 

A Poet {to the woman) 

I prithee tell me which is doubtless he, 
I have composed — 

A Flower Girl {raps the Poet on the head) 

Ow! Off my foot! And if 
Your ode be half so heavy and so awkward. 
The King will stop your mouth, thinking you jest, 

A Fruiterer 

O fig of all my fathers, that a king? 

He looks a mother feared to let him see 

The sun, twist-legged, half -browed, goggling ape, 

His face a-wrinkled like a withered apple. 

His wet-nurse was a lemon, I'll be sworn. 

[37] 



THE SUMMONS 

Third Citizen 
Can our salvation hang upon those eyes? 

Flower Girl 
Roses a-plenty, here! buy roses? 

Hawker of Sweets 

Sweets? 
A spicy cake, a daintj^ for your darling. 
Say, will you see the horses how they deck 
Them o'er, these Frenchmen v/ith their tricks and 

gews? 
Why, we are fools beside these ways of France. 

Enter Lois and Vincenzo. The King 
passes on, but not without noting Lois. 

Lois 

Think you he marked and knew me who I am? 

Vincenzo 

No, no; and if he saw, my company 

With you would bid him deep distrust his eye. 

Lois 

A face he ever knew he ne'er forgets; 
If he beheld me, he remembered me. 
If he remembers me, with Florence friend 
I am not safe e'en if the Friar promise. 
See how the people flock behind a King! 

Vincenzo 

But tell me, you are still in comfort sure? 

Lois 

Think not I speak to you an ingrate word: 
Almost upon their hands Pezzo and his 
Uphold me, spare, relieve me; yet I know 
How swift a change will fall when your proud 
father 

[38] 



OF THE KING 

Learns this unhappy fancy of his son, 

Who loves a woman as impossible 

Of hope as any driven curse from heaven. 

One thing, Vincenzo, you shall say for me 

When question knocks for answer, that I never- 

No, Mary be my witness! — never lured 

You on to this. I am not that — not false. 

Vincenzo 

Rest we upon the step. Even the priests 
Have eyes away from God upon high France 
And at this distance we can hear the shouts. 
How men could love so foul and strange a sight 
I cannot guess. Be sure our house is true 
To Medici and so to France while true. 
Within our hope he comes to spite the friar 
And to restore our noble friend; but I 
Put not much heart on France's love to him. 
Tonight my father means to meet the king 
And sound his purpose on the banishment. 
I would observe so strange a being, hear 
Him talk, conclude him friend or courtly tongued. 

Lois 

He will not juggle any word he says. 
But after he will gloze the soul he bodied 
With smooth, obscuring phrase, refuting all 
You thought he said. Hard pressed, importuned 

to't. 
He turns your mildest friend from hostile eyes. 

Vincenzo 

Who saddened you with all this world-old wis- 
dom? 

Lois 

Youth greys in brief apprenticeship to sin 
And Latin is the general tomb of joy. 
Which, when I learned with quick accomplish- 
ment 

[39] 



THE SUMMONS 

While yet a girl, I little thought the dim, 

Premonitory cadences my tongue 

Should sound with perilous pleasing of a king. 

ViNCENZO 

Why ever harp upon that somber string? 
Have I not known, yet tell you o'er and o'er 
How I do love you warmly as that hour 
Of all unflowered hours I first beheld 
Your hasting eyes that blazed their blessed prints 
Across my waiting, wildered, marveling heart? 
What would you have me do that you shall be 
Enthralled by glory as by beauty I? (Lower) 

Would his death blot the past? Speak, is it that? 

Lois 

No, no, no, no! That were a futile thing. 

No violent release, no crested crime 

Must free me now; for there is writ in heaven 

A line my prayers and blinding tears will fail 

To purge, if Mary be not touched: to her 

I must devote the life I yet am given. 

The world must be a stranger to my thought. 

Oh, how I see it all: my brain must know 

No fair untroubled rest save unto God; 

I must walk unafraid, strong with contempt 

For gifts life brings with fresh and rosy hands . 

You are not still so young that you forget 

How some ways that we turn we never trace 

Again, some are so starred with purity 

And hope, rapture and upward certainty; 

And other some so hooded with the hours 

We would, but never may, recall and change. 

I was a singing girl of Milan, I, 

Who careless charmed the ears of France's king; 

And when they said the king, the king, the king. 

Would thank me with a public kiss, men laughed 

That I stood hesitant, and called me fool. 

Thus it befell. And then my uncle, where 

[40] 



OF THE KING 

Unmothered and unfathered I had lodged, 
Contrived and bargained with the Cardinal 
To sell me, soul and body, unto France. 
At first they told me I was queen by name 
And right; they whispered how his former queen 
Died ere he ventured south. By hollow rites 
And solemn make-believe they hid the truth, 
Which, when I saw, turned gruesome horror all, 
A thing that wears our outward face and habit 
But hides in every nook of its dark heart 
A stagnant plague-pool, spewing poison out! 
I fell upon the bed and cried to Christ, 
The clean, white issue of a virgin womb, 
To slay me on that altar where I lay. 
Whereto they led me as a beast to death, 
A death made quick with every conscious throb, 
God shut his ears and bade his Church be still. 
And then the cynic world taught me the laugh 
Of one who sins and recks not, whom men fear. 
The singing, low-born thing of Milan flesh, 
I had a king my slave, drew worshipers 
Bred of the highest loins of victor France. 

ViNCENZO 

You loved your sin? 

Lois 

Nay, rather gloried while 
My soul lay in a drunken wilderness, 
Until that night in Pisa on the heels 
Of wanton jest anent his haggard show, 
I felt Savonarola wake my life 
With fire of simple truth and strength sincere. 

ViNCENZO 

What were the words, the invitation strange? 

Lois 

I know not; all grew chilling mist, and shrill 
Flew startling whispers thru the emptied halls 

[41] 



THE SUMMONS 

Of my dead self and sense. I closed mine eyes; 
Still urged the panic call of alien music, 
Sweeping with heavenly mercy all my past. 

(Rising) 
Vincenzo, all I ever hope to be 
I vowed to render gracious to God's use, 
Who sent that hallowed priest afoot from Flor- 
ence 
To menace France and call my soul from death 
When most I needed counsel, help, and hope. 

Vincenzo 

And came not, too, my love to help thee, Lois? 

Lois 

Name me no longer Lois, that is gone: 
Call me but Nuccia, Milan knew me so; 
I then may think you friend and prize your 

wish — 
But for the rest — 

Vincenzo 

Remember how I love. 
I loved you when you sinned, yet not your sin. 
I love you what you are, a woman not 
Untainted but withal still uncorrupt. 
Bear witness, God, how if I loved her then, 
Unheeding her enforced life, much more 
I love her when she turns her soul to Thee. 
The final word that buds or blights my life 
At least delay. 

Lois 

For peace my heart is hungry. 
The world hath taken what alone God gives. 
Vincenzo, think. I seek no balm, no ease: 
Thorny the crown and rough the heavenward 

way. 
The difficult and bitter penance wine 
My lips shall welcome with a nuptial kiss, 

[42] 



OF THE KING 

And all my vigils with my clement groom 

Shall teach me how to wait and yearn for death. 

ViNCENZO 

I will not yield you so. You are beset 
With cruel memories that murder judgment. 
You say that you will dearly prize my love. 
How? Mewed and cloistered from my sight and 

call? 
Think you my love is but a season's fancy, 
Born of the gala glancing at a festa? 
The roots of this day's flowering lay below 
The birth of Milan, ere up bubbled sea 
Or rose my own wood-crowned Fiesole. 
Long-after ages prophesied and brought 
Us forth, in different cities bred us each; 
From wonted haunts afar in a strange camp 
We meet and gaze and one before the other 
Divines the lore that none but twain may read. 
Is this a small thing for the will of one 
So lightly to dismiss? Of destiny 
Are we such master arbiters that we 
May counsel what the stars may spell for us? 
The passion I have caught beholding you 
Is not a libertine's for light o' heart, 
The swift persuasion of the ignoble pulse — 
No, no, I have you in my tranquil thought 
My wedded wife, the mother of my children. 
As for the solemn sound from honor's belfry, 
The body cannot sin against the will. 
I care not for what accident befell — 
France has no import, owns no witless slave: 
Illusion reigned, but now is dispossesst. 
I come to lead you back to life thru love; 
I challenge you your penitent design. 
Nor will believe that there aloof from all 
You swifter rise to God than here with me 
Taking the solace of a duteous wife. 
Are you afraid? Love bids you dare their word 

[43] 



THE SUMMONS 

As once you dreaded not their whispered guess: 
Mine is the harder but the nobler path. 
Follow it, Nuccia; trust me, try my way. 

Lois 

In my first cloister, blind, I should have died 
Nor ever looked upon the earth and sun. 
My life has been a death, now death were life. 
I am afraid to trust this waking music. 
This dear unlidding of incredible light. 
There is a chill of fever as I hope, 
Resolve and change, like a poor, shallow pool, 
Subject to any sky, abject to airs. 
Vincenzo, I am not your molded dream. 
Born of the prayers of constant-hearted youth 
And nourished with its very breath of hope, 
Fair thru the willing blindness of desire 
And dowered with mysterious rewards 
The eyes of loveliness so vainly promise. 
I am a woman overwise perforce; 
I can foresee, as if this were my hour's 
Authentic guess, the never-staying end, 
The bruising hand of time upon our wills. 
God first is just, then merciful and mild, 
And when, tho innocent, we children sin, 
He stirs the brackish cup of conscience up 
Ajid stings the federate lips of guilt with pain. 
Yet would I not one instant grieve your soul, 
Withholding what I know is worthless, cheap; 
I will not obstinate mere praises here, 
But vow you truly, if God will it so. 
Yours will I be in union honorable. 
My hand. 

{They stand silent and tearful. Exeunt as the 
chattering crowds return, led by the burly Fruit- 
erer) 

Fruiterer 
Three times as many more, they say, come later, 

[44] 



OF THE KING 

Flower- Girl 

A gallant lad of the King's very own 

Caught me my rose and waved me what a kiss! 

Poet 

What sturdy men, what stout, bright enginery! 
Those huge balls were of iron, not of stone. 
And did you mark the heavy-gaited guns? 
I would not be the walls those dragons belch 
Their rage upon. 

Boy 

Some carried pretty arms 
Like to our bows but with the cord across. 

Hawker 

Why, there are thousands, each with finery 
Enough to scare my oven for a year. 

Poor Woman (running) 

Our Julietta's bairn is come untimely! 

A-seeing of the King, and this and that. 

The shouts, th' array, the noble knights, the heat, 

And Mary only knows what else, she cries, 

"I choke! Some air! Give me an arm or prop 

To stay me!" So they carried her in haste. 

And how they sweat! Sweet Jesu sweat not more 

Within the garden where he prayed for us — 

I say they carried her to Mazzo's booth. 

Who goes with me? 

{Exeunt some) 

Fruiterer 

A luckless birthday sure! 
It was the ugly king Julietta saw: 
That pumpkin-head would drive a bitch to whelp. 

First citizen 
And came with lance straight on and open sword. 

[45] 



THE SUMMONS 

Second Citizen 
Which obligates by law we are o'erwhelmed. 
First citizen 

O'erwhelmed I know not, but o'er Vecchio 
They came so proud, it was a scurvy boast. 

Second Citizen 

And yet you hailed him. 

First citizen 

What? Offend the rabble, 
The riff-raff, scum, and idle ne'er-do-wells 
By shutting teeth upon a rampant tongue? 

Second Citizen 

Had you kept peace, I had not greeted him. 

Fruiterer {fiercely and striking him) 

An had you not, it had been close observed. 
You marked for traitor, seized and dragged and 

burnt 
Within the Square before the clapping mob. 
And had your lordly master been o'erheard 
To say what I have heard him say but now, 
The Frenchmen would have flayed him — on my 

oath! 

(Nods of approval) 

Flower- Girl 

Thank ye the stars ye shouted as ye did! 

Both Citizens 

We do, we thank — 

Hawker 

Away! 

Both Citizens 

Hail, King of France! 



'&> 



[46] 



OF THE KING 



ACT FOUR 

SCENE ONE 

Palace of the Orsini. Late the same night. 

King of France, Orsini, and Courtiers 

King 

You are a friend to Medici? 

Orsini 

I am. 
King 

So much he says, that we will credit him. 
We have no seated hatred 'gainst the state 
They would uprear on common blocks and call 
With majesty, Republic; but, methinks. 
The counselors forget that Florence stands 
Our subject, is not free to vaunt her will. 

Orsini 

Your Majesty withal were well bestead 
To blow no prideful spark to wanton flame. 

King 

Of that anon. We would not counterfeit 
A fear we never feel, nor cheat a hazard. 
Briefly to speak, we mean to watch them build: 
We haste not hence impatient aye of arms 
And conquest; we have years and guns and force 
To bring all Italy unto our will. 

Orsini 

Enough: you come to flout me by design 
Within my walls before your servitors. 

[47] 



THE SUMMONS 

King, I would have you know Orsini's line 
Was high before your own or Medici's! 
I ask, I grant no favor; you are wrong 
To think he conquers us who holds our land! 
Whether the Medici come to his own 
Or be withholden, as I am his friend 
I joy or grieve, but shed no servile tear 
To win your yielding, mitigate your threat. 
Your hosts, they say, are yet not all arrived: 
Then picture fiftyfold the strength, and all 
Arm equally, you shall not bend or break 
The soul that long has breathed this Tuscan air! 

King 

There speaks a nobleman, good Cardinal. 

We are not nice in lines of ancient birth. 

We are a fresher stock, a later thought, 

Than flourishes in the warm South. Ourselves 

Must laugh that in these days you put your trust 

In aught but strength of arms; but, since you 

prize 
Piero Medici, we are prepared 
Out of our marvel and our will to you. 
To stand him Regent in our stead, no less 
In power than yourself would have us warrant. 

Orsini 
Upon what terms? Kings never freely give. 
Cardinal St Malo 

Orsini, think how ill accords your tone 
With this the King hath promised; besides 
I of the holy Church support his cause: 
We both are native in the chosen faith. 

Orsini 

Well know I that, serenest Cardinal; 

But many like myself of house and power 

Do marvel how great Alexander seats 

[48] 



OF THE KING 

Him calm upon his throne at Rome while here 
The commons make such head against us all, 
Daily inflamed by that same church they fed 
Who are abandoned now. 

Cardinal St Malo 

It grieves us more 
Than I have words to show my broken heart 
That here the wanton Fra o'ertops the tallest, 
That him they call ambassador of hope 
Who so assails the precinct of the saints. 
Whose scourging tongue spares none, but takes 

delight 
In overturning what we toil to rear. 
Surely, Orsini, doth it move me, too. 
His Majesty so curiously gives heed 
To him as peer to us, as peer to us! 
The hour is ripe to quell this springing peril. 

Orsini 

Ofttimes of rulers high and tyrannous 
A dear man to the commons finds the ear 
Obsequious; and so they win the praise 
Of clemency and fairness tho they show 
Them slaves to wilfulness and whim. The King 
Must know this is a keen and crack-brained knave 
By accident here set, a torch amid 
The thick chaff in an aged granary. 
To see him is to marvel at men's folly. 
To hear him patient out, to play the fool. 

King 

You are but witness to your policy: 

His silence would spread calm among the people 

And bring them to your mastery. The Pope 

Is wise, his churchly throne is universal, 

His blessing hands are weighted for all men, 

And to the Roman heart all others yearn. 

I twice have heard Savonarola speak. 

Once among brothers, once alone at night 

[49] 



THE SUMMONS 

On secret mission come, to beg our aid 

Against the robber nobles of your state. 

Mere words, mere cunning of the will, mere craft 

Array not such a host upon his side 

And keep them single for the cause of right. 

In him I see some sentinel or saint, 

No dreamer, no imaginer of woe; 

His menace is of God, his call a challenge. 

Nathless, I mean to stablish here secure 

Piero, as I promised, but of you, 

Orsini, I demand a solemn oath 

You bring and give at once a maid as hostage. 

Alive or dead, a Milanese I name. 

Orsini 

A small demand to buy so large a boon. 
Alive she suffers your revenge, and dead — 
What then? A silent foe? 

King 

You promise it? 

Orsini 

I must desire her name, your Majesty. 

King 

A common maid of Milan, Lois named. 

Orsini 
And you would have me send to Milan hence? 

King 
She is in Florence. 

Orsini 
You have seen her, then? 

King 
She lodges with a servant of your house. 

[50] 



OF THE KING 

Orsini 
Ho, Ceppi! 

Enter Ceppi 
Seek and bid Vincenzo come. 

Ceppi 
'Tis done, Signoro. {Exit Ceppi) 

Orsini 
Who is he, I pray? 
Cardinal St Malo {as the King turns to him) 
A man mysterious, Pezzo his name. 

Orsini 

And she you seek — what is her grave offence 
That I must find and punish her with death? 

King 

She plots against us who have friended her. 

Orsini 

For this how am I bid to yield account? 

King 

She lodges with your servant. 

Cardinal St Malo 

Of a sooth, 
Orsini, graver fault no law admits. 

Orsini 

I am well satisfied and see my debt. 
Here comes my son. 

Enter Vincenzo 

Your Majesty — my son. 

.Vincenzo bows to the King, who looks amused. 

[51] 



THE SUMMONS 

Orsini 

Vincenzo, I have learned the King of France 

Here stands in peril of his very life, 

And she who seeks his life, a common maid, 

A Milanese, is lodged with our own Pezzo. 

His Majesty would have her hither led 

To search the causes of her treasonry 

Or haply be assured she is no more. 

Vincenzo 

This is impossible. 

; King 

Your father speaks. 
And with him speak the Medici and France. 

Orsini 

I know not why you instantly rebel. 

Needs there my harsh command to drive you to it 

Or will you wiselier bethink who asks? 

Vincenzo 
Nothing can shake me from my fixt resolve: 
The Milanese I will not hither lead 
Nor will I helpless see her rudely touched. 

(Bells are heard) 
King 

Then let this boy, Orsini, be at ease. 
Send men to Pezzo, seize her in my name. 

Orsini 
At once. . . .Ceppi, I say! 

Vincenzo 

Father, what right 
Hath Charles of France to rob your servant's 

house? 
Am I not something here? Have I no claim 
Upon your mind or heart? 

[52] 



OF THE KING 

Orsini 

You do forget: 
I bade my son bring her into my presence. 

ViNCENZO 

'Tis you forget: I had a mother, too; 
Princely her blood, equally swims with yours 
Here in my veins. Were she alive, with me 
She'd cry, "Why just this woman?" 

(Bells and shouts) 
Orsini 

Wherefore not? 
She is no Florentine, she comes from Milan; 
We lose no blood, she is a trivial price 
To pay for Medici — 

ViNCENZO 

A price, father? 
At last Orsini's name and purse are one! 
It is the Medici she buys for you? 
A human soul passed like a filthy coin 
From rakish palm to palm as in a mart! 
Have you no shame? You would destroy her 
thus? 

King 
She is my property. 

ViNCENZO 

Nay, hear me speak. 
I tell you that I love her — so, she's mine. 
Mine by the ruddy tribute of dear vows 
Since me she also loves. Her I will wed 
And honor her as wife. 

(Bells,.. Cries of "PalleD 

Orsini 

Less passion, son. 
I am a stranger to your sudden vows, 

[53] 



THE SUMMONS 

ViNCENZO 

father, hear me. None has thralled me so; 
But only she seems beautiful and worthy 

Of worship, tho she be of lowly birth. 

King (coolly) 

And leman of my choice. 

Orsini 

You flout me, King? 

King 

Nay, boys have dreams — 'tis kings wear waking 
crowns. 

(Bells increase. Cries of 'Talle! Pallel") 

Orsini 

Son, know you this forsooth? 

ViNCENZO 

What was, is not. 
Orsini 

Thou odious destroyer of this line! 

But now didst hold the name of mother there 

On that same threshold where this rankness stood? 

There is no more to say. Herein persist 

And I will never know thee more my son. 

ViNCENZO 

Father — 

Orsini 

You know me and you heard me judge. 

1 bid you aid them hale the strumpet hither. 

ViNCENZO 

May God remember thee in His good time! 
Again I say I will not. Glory of house 

[54] 



OF THE KING 

Nor France can force me to this foul design. 

For Medici you have forget your son, 

For Medici you would sell all the state. 

It means naught what the woman was, when I, 

Your son, find her thought-pure and true of soul, 

And swear I love her so I count death cheap 

To save her from the hands corrupt of France. 

You shall not have her! Free is Florence, free! 

The gold of Medici, the might of France, 

The craft of you, my sire and princes all. 

Shall not prevail. A human girdle guards 

This palace where you plan old slavery; 

But even as I came the rumor flew, 

The secret is on every beggar's tongue. 

The warning cries are — hear them! — "Palle! 

Palle!" 
And every belfry clamors from the sting 
And bitter thought of Medici restored. 
Unless you swift bethink you calm the crowd. 
King Charles will nevermore behold his France! 

(Cries increase. King and others stand trans- 

fixt) 

Come, speak, I go. What shall I feed them with? 
What is your answer? Medici or freedom? 

(Pause) 

King 

Go. Bid them hush their bells. The King would 
sleep. 



[55] 



THE SUMMONS 



ACT FIVE 

SCENE ONE 

The King before the Signory. The next day. 

King, Cardinal St Malo, Courtiers; Capponi, 
Vespucci, Bonsi, Valori, and other Florentines 

Valori 

Your Majesty has learned how Milan shakes 
Her yoke — how Ludovico is the master? 

Cardinal St Malo 

He hath been so possesst; that Pisa, too, 
Hath risen 'gainst your state, he must regard 
But proof how woful was their course who ban- 

isht 
The Medici or ere a better found. 
Yet is his counsel one of clement peace. 
In sign whereof he hath despatcht to Pisa 
A gallant force to hold the rebels leal 
To Florence out of love he bears you all. 

Vespucci 

'Tis well we find his friendly will to us, 
Else were it hard to check from wrong the plebs : 
They have not yet forgotten Swiss excess. 
We must assure them from all arrogance. 

Cardinal St Malo 

Untimely themes become us not, good sir. 

Vespucci 

God keep you of that mind till we have done. 

[56] 



OF THE KING 

Cardinal St Malo 

You have our promise to retrench our stay 
And soon advance us southward unto Rome. 
With Pisa bound to us, and so to you, 
What greater warranty that we are just? 

Vespucci 

I question not, I simply hope, else would 
Our own Marzocco by the angered hands 
Of citizens against our trusted power 
Soon measure every foot of Arno's depth. 

King 

And there lies now, his lily-shield defiled. 
But truce to threats! We are not come to aim 
And shoot the windy missiles of the mouth. 
But to define, conclude, and keep a treaty. 
Your wisest man is silent. Speak, Capponi, 
Is all agreed and written that we sign? 

Capponi 

All has been noted and agreed; but one 
Included title has not been full sounded. 
The Signory doth grant and herewith call 
The King of France Defender and Protector 
Of Florence and her new-born Liberty, 
And votes the King the florins he demands. 
'Tis well; yet would I learn from living lips. 
With these our witnesses, to hear your vow 
You are no friend to Medici, nor aim 
To arm and bolden him, when you are forth, 
To steal within our gates and seize again 
The sovereignty whereof he's dispossesst. 

King 

Is this, Capponi, what the silence nursed? 
Have we not given pledge, nay, more than pledge? 
Take you no earnest from our acts, but we 
Must hunted be with aye-distrusting eyes 

[57] 



THE SUMMONS 

And gliding treachery? Do you so deal 
With sister states when hand and seal are passed? 
If so it be, at Pisa's eager shift 
And Milan's hate I take small wonderment. 
For all your Signory, more than is writ 
We will not bend us, masters as we stand, 
To calm for aye the Medicean string. 
To judge you have our deeds. We speak not fur- 
ther. 

Capponi 

We own us no less masters than the King: 
We are the peers not vassals of your might; 
We ratify not tolerate your counsel. 

King 

What of the garrisons we have despatcht 
From Pisa hither, are they ours or yours? 
Can we not at a signal start them out? 

Savonarola 

{before unobserved, stepping forward) 

But will not. King. (Pause) 

King. 

What, friar, a councilor? 

Cardinal St Malo (aside to King) 

Fear not, count on the nobles not the mob. 

Savonarola 

I speak for stricken souls where'er they lodge. 

King 

How will you stand against us, question right 
To teach the Signory a quiet tongue? 
Wherefore may we not order at our will? 

[58] 



OF THE KING 

Savonarola 

God watches you : His eyelids know not rest. 

King 

You hailed us at our coming, God's anointed, 
Elect to save the remnant of your people. 
Why veer you so? 

Savonarola 

Because you lightly hold 
And execute the purpose of your coming; 
Because the Medici with money bribes 
You stay your hand against his waning hope; 
Because you promise what you cannot grant: 
Aid to the state, to Medici a throne. 
Briefly you conquer, but the Lord is wroth: 
Disaster travels with you and disease. 
I see your hungry hosts go mountainward 
With pennon stained and clouded enginery; 
I see your eager face from Naples turn; 
Your heart breeds panic and your hands are sick. 
As heaven chose you in this mighty fray. 
Heaven will curse the king of broken word. 

Cardinal St Malo {to King) 
How long will France give ear? 

King 

We are prepared 
To step no further, but withhold our seal. 
France yet is new to menaces on kings. 
And keeps his counsel undismayed by this 
Ungrateful body, brave by sufferance. 
'Tis you, Capponi, who have stirred this brew 
And bid me quaff the cup thus publicly. 
The friar I forgive, I think him true; 
And yet, I swear, no record shall appear 
For or against the exiled Medici. 

[59] 



THE SUMMONS 

Capponi (passionately) 

We will not hear you more: you are not just. 
We have no proof you truckle not with him, 
The common foe and pest of this republic. 
What is the parchment but a gaudy cheat, 
If you thus boldly mention not our foe? 
Have it unsigned, 'tis yours — in fragments thus! 

( Tears it and flings it at the King) 

Cardinal St Malo 
You have o'erstept the bound of arrogance. 

Savonarola 

Capponi, I must praise against my will 
Our foe: the devil hath bereft thy mind. 
This meeting is for those who trust their lives 
That we will honorably seek their good 
Nor by inflamed anger. 

Capponi 

I am weary 
Of waiting till the double King of France 
Display a single aim. 

Valori 

Why are we laggard? 
Tried troops we have, the commons favor arms. 
Our courage steeled against these braying guns. 
Let us conclude the forage of the horde 
Who eat our fields, corrupt our citizens, 
And, mocking, chalk our houses, lance on hip. 

King 

Words, men, words! Why repeat the empty 

boasts? 
You fight with a divided host, the nobles 

[60] 



OF THE KING 

So ill-disposed they will not lift a hand, 

The commons venal, moment friends to freedom 

With wills that shift with every deepening eve. 

Confirm your vaunt! In fine, we here proclaim 

If this assembly fail to consummate 

Agreement to our royal will and arms, 

Then we will sound our trumpets! 

Capponi 

Trumpets, King? 
Then we will sound our bells. 

{Long pause and great uproar. Enter 
unobserved, Rabaccio.) 

Valori {to Capponi) 

Oh, speak the word! 

{Pause) 
Savonarola 

I would not hold myself a man of peace 

Unto dishonor's edge, but all this scene 

Seems acted by capricious, pouting children. 

Here stands the King of France from royal pride 

Not to be moved to write a word exacted, 

While there Capponi, puffed with sudden power, 

Imperils Florence and her liberty 

With insult to her plighted friend who aims, 

I certain think, no treachery on us. 

I spare not either side; it is a mock 

That fate so large from hands so small depends. 

Such ribaldry with offices of God 

Ye both shall dear abide. 

BONSI 

My gracious lords. 
There is much wisdom in the friar's words. 
His deeds and thought no dark, suspicious brow 
Can shade to shame, but out of general heart 
He bids us put aside unworthy chiding 

[61] 



THE SUMMONS 

And summons both to concord. Let none deem 
I yield my pride who counsel courtesy 
And milder modes: the Bonsi can be hard 
And brave at dangerous need, you all allow. 
Valori, curb thy captain's itch to plant 
A spear or prick the liver of a Frenchman; 
And you, Capponi, prop of public weal. 
Sway with the wind, nor fear you bend to fall. 

Cardinal St Malo 

Were I the King, I should not tarry long 
For further parley, but exalt our pennons 
And give their perilous wings unto the air 
Against your conquered and divided land. 
Such bruit my guns would spread as would make 

bow 
Your tufted pines and thrill your mountain-tops. 

King 

Such words, good Cardinal, flying unquenched 
Might start a conflagration far and wide; 
Therefore be pleased to lodge th' unhappy 

thought 
I still am king and still have much to do 
Before again I see my vineyards smile 
And know my subjects press the bellied grape. 
Capponi, we are gentle-humored, mark! 
And if it please you and the solemn council 
That Medici, my friend, be named and writ 
The foe of Florence, be it as you will. 
We will contend no further. Fate is loud 
Against mine ears and stirs our trumpet's drowse 
On to imperial Rome and Christ's anointed. 
There when the holy hands have touched our 

head 
With blessed certainty, our chief emprise 
We will set on — to win the throne of Naples. 
Meantime let secretaries new indite 
An instrument comporting with your wish. 
Then send it with your strictest councilors 

[62] 



OF THE KING 

After us where we lodge; before noontide 
Tomorrow with our sign and seal you hold 
Against our deed our pledge and warranty. 
Come, Cardinal, we need your cooling prayers 
To soothe the cheeks of this too fevered day, 
Lest uncommended at God's garden-gate 
Of soft, unhasting dreams we knock denied. 
So take we leave, well-wishing all. Good night. 

{Exeunt King and Courtiers, the Cardinal look- 
ing darkly at Savonarola.) 

Savonarola 

Before I go, I beg you entertain 
Not too triumphant hearts. Beyond lies much. 
The warrant of the King may doubtless be, 
But mind, Capponi, let the bells be guard, 
Lest France put motley on our belfrymen. 

(Exit) 

Valori 

Ever a sting he thrusts; yet peace advised. 

Bonsi 
Methinks we win. The King regards a threat. 

Vespucci 
But who will meet him with the articles? 

Capponi 
Myself, Valori, Bonsi, and — the Friar. 

Valori 
Then let Vespucci go for me. 

Capponi 

Granted. 
And so for all who thus their country love 
That when a private thought or hate appears, 
Drop down their shield and weapons on the field. 

[63] 



THE SUMMONS 

Valori 

Oh, I will go. 

Capponi 

No, no, you will not go; 
You will observe at home. 

BONSI 

Oh, have him come. 
Capponi 

Peace, Bonsi. If Valori is offended, 

We give him time to heal his aching rancor. 

Yet let us home together. 

All 

Aye, together. 

{Exeunt. Watchmen come forward.) 

First Watchman 

The lamps were well-nigh spent. 

Second Watchman 

'Twas heavy talk. 

First Watchman 

I would not fear a king like him of France 
For all the cannons and the brass he owns. 

Second Watchman 

Who was it tore the paper in his face? 

First Watchman 

Capponi is his name, a common man, 

In youth, a rogue. How when to age they grow 

They fain forget the nuts and fruit they stole. 

(Noise) 
Second Watchman 
What's that? 

[64] 



OF THE KING 

First Watchman 

What? 

Second Watchman 

That. Heard you no noise? Methinks^ — 

First Watchman 

Something lies stretched upon that bench. 

Second Watchman 

Where— where? 
First Watchman 

There! See? 

Second Watchman 

Shall — shall we dare accost? 

First Watchman 

The doors 
Are not yet locked, I'll go for instant aid. 

Second Watchman 

And leave me? Jesu, see! he moves. 

First Watchman 

He slept, 
You roused him, fool! 

Second Watchman 

Oh, talk not so, this hour 
May be our last — then be we friends in death. 

First Watchman 

We must be bolder. Come, what make you here? 
Are you of Florence and you dare to keep — 

Rabaccio 

What make I here, thou antic, paper face? 
I make dead men, and so will make of you. 
If you deny me message to the King. 

[65] : ■ 



THE SUMMONS 

First Watchman 

He is no longer here, but gone to lodge 
Where dwelt the Medici in times of peace. 

Rabaccio 

Before he sleeps my message must be heard. 
Conduct me thither by your faith in God, 
Your love to Florence, and your very lives. 

First Watchman 

We both will go and see you safe bestowed. 

Second Watchman {as they go out) 

You are from Venice, sir? 

Rabaccio 

No, out of Milan. 

(They are heard talking as they lock the doors 
from the outside.) 

SCENE TWO 

Near the Rubaconte Bridge. Moonlight. The next 

evening. 

Rabaccio 

A good blade alway finds a use for 'ts edge. 

Scarce had I told the King how Milan lay 

Subject to Ludovico by a trick 

And softly questioned his commandment thither, 

In hope I made one of a gallant troop 

To humble Moro, whom I hate — but nay! 

Outwhips his Majesty a new reply, 

Denies me rest but bids to intercept 

The lovelorn young Orsini, who this night 

Would steal a lady of unworthy birth. 

How many eyes e'en in a foreign camp 

May royalty possess! How many hands — 

Far from the waiting brain — for him are busy. 

[66] 



OF THE KING 

But had the King enjoined my swift return, 
I still had tarried till I had report 
How Nuccia fares, how chains her captive lover. 
Doubtless my barren purse had pregnant grown; 
From her now lofty state a rich despatch 
Away for hungry kin were cheaply bought. 
This business done, I mean to find her out: 
At least an envious rumor of her days 
And gorgeous nights I must to Milan bring, 
A tickle-tongue for gossips and the stews. 
But soft! a woman, veiled and stealthy-stepping: 
A moment's hiding ere I spring surprise. 

{Hides in deep shadows) 

Enter Nuccia 

Too early. How the moon spells all the ways; 
The water and the trees, the bridge, the air. 
All ghostly. Calmly ride the clouds the sky. 
Blameless, fearless of scanning stars. I fain 
Had longer waited but I somehow feared; 
Almost I knew not when I slipped away. 
Drawn like a thread of water to the sea. 
A-haste I seemed untouching heavy earth, 
So love and the dear dream impelled me forth. 
Yet now he is not here, I find my soul 
Hath moored far-traveled ships importing dread. 
Hold, something shapes and moves — Vincenzo, 
ho! 

Rabaccio 

Fair one, Vincenzo is not yet at hand. 
Be not afraid, I have no ill intent. 

Nuccia (aside) 

Methinks he looks an older man than harms. 

Rabaccio 
Turn not the comely face away. (Seizes her) 

[67] 



THE SUMMONS 

NucciA 

Release 
Thy fierce hand, ruffian, or — 

{Tries to stab him) 

Rabaccio {aside, as he strikes the dagger 
out of her hand) 

My God, 'tis Nuccia! 

NucciA 
What mean you? 

Rabaccio 

Come, my child, behold me close. 

Nuccia {covering her face in violent 
horror) 

Rabaccio! Vincenzo, where art thou? 

Rabaccio 

Attempt no folly, briefly learn your fate: 
Orsini will not taint his noble blood 
With a son's fancy for a faithless wench. 
This instant living you will yield to France 
Or from yon bridge I drop your body dead. 
Your answer! 

Nuccia 

Uncle, I entreat you, think! 
One fatal day I trusted all to you; 
What did you then, you, brother to my mother? 
You made me merchandise and for a price 
You sold me to the King of France! 

Rabaccio 

You lie! 
Nuccia 

I lie not, I know all. The barter ran, 

A common jest, among foul-mouthed harlots. 

[68] 



OF THE KING 

You said I should be queen, and so I was — 
A cozened quean, but kin to you, my uncle. 
And once the one babe your dead sister bare. 
(Aside) 

Will he ne'er come? (Aloud) Another fatal day, 
A second time you come: what price this time? 
How much will buy you now? I'll give you 
more — 

Rabaccio 

Why do I listen? Tush! Weary of France, 
You have enticed a noble Florentine 
To your embrace. You are a stain on all 
Your kin; your father died a broken man; 
I mean to end it here: you shall not twice 
Deceive the King of France. (Seizes her) 

NucciA 

Vincenzo, help! 
Have mercy, uncle! Give me space to pray. 

Rabaccio 

The need I question not — ^your craft is plain: 
Tell Mary face to face who cozened you! 

(Stabs her) 
Enter Vincenzo 

Who spake my name? 

NucciA (faintly) 
Vincenzo? 
Vincenzo 

Where are you? 
NucciA 
Hard by the bank. Let not — 

Vincenzo 

Who runs there? 

[69] 



THE SUMMONS 

NucciA 

After! 

(ViNCENZo parries a thrust from Rabaccio, 
who, after a struggle, falls and dies) 

They fight, may God forgive my lingering. 
Who fell? Vincenzo, speak. 

ViNCENZO 

'Twas he. 

NucciA 

God reigns. 
Vincenzo 

What heavy woe is here? Whose hand? 

NucciA 

My uncle — 
From Milan hither — met me by design — 

Vincenzo 

My love, you are too v^eak to frame the words. 
You soon will mend; have courage, Nuccia, cour- 
age. 

NucciA 

We cannot cheat our fate, nor he nor I. 

Vincenzo 
Fate is not ever hopeless, ever dark. 

Nuccia 
He made dispute, and urged I stained your house. 

Vincenzo (aside) 
My father's hand? 

Nuccia 
And faithless, too, to France. 

[70] 



OF THE KING 

ViNCENZo (aside) 

Mayhap the King. (Goes to Rabaccio. Aloud) 

Cold, cold, and has not moved. 
'Tis well, else Milan, aye, all Italy 
Were small to hold your uncle from my reach. 

NucciA 
No time for hate. 

ViNCENZO 

Nay, for thou art to live. 
NucciA 
Not that, but I will never leave thy soul. 

ViNCENZO 

No more. I'll bind thy wound and bring thee 

safe 
Across the bridge, where Pezzo mild with skill 
Will soon assuage the pain and mount us swift 
Upon our steed straight for Fiesole. 
There in a wooded, sheltered, dear retreat 
Now dwells my aged nurse, a sweet- voiced crone 
Who waits for us with warring fear and joy: 
Before the dead stars fall in glorious tombs, 
I shall halloo an old-time, boyhood catch. 
And she will hear and cry "Vincenzo's come!" 
And France and sin shall be forgotten clean, 
His Naples yet unwon, and I shall hear 
Echoed among the fearless, fragrant pines 
The Milan song that stayed a foreign king 
But gave thy soul to me. Come, love, cling close. 

(ViNCENZO hurries with Nuccia across 
the bridge) 



THE END 



[71] 



gcr 24 isn 



One copy del. to Cat, Div. 



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